Re: Jhelisa

Tony Reid (t-bird@salata.com)
22 Feb 97 23:25:34 -0800


de> At first, when I read the credits, before
de> listening to the album, I was like "what is wrong with her? why isn't
de> she using Matt Cooper as her producer?," but after listening I'm glad
de> she didn't. The songwriting is exceptionally strong too.

i love mr. cooper, but i have to agree that this is a really strong record!

de> I think it is a much more sophisticated release than her first, and
de> songs like "Sell Me Away" and "That's Bulls*** Woody" are hauntingly
de> unique. I highly recommend it. However, I just read a review saying
de> that most people love it or hate it. So... since my tastes appear to be
de> a tad off-centered (i.e. my enthusiasm for Nicolette's experimentation
de> (noise to some)), get a few other opinions first.

well, from the other side (i.e. i tend to *hate* nicolette's
"experimentation") i strongly recommend this album to anyone who likes good
intelligent (i.e. thought-provoking) music. i sold a copy to someone who is
more into straight jazz--she loved it!

de> Speaking of Sophomore efforts, Spearhead's new release is
de> disappointing. What happened to Mary? Her vocals were a strong reason
de> why I liked the first so much. I saw an acapella performance by Mary
de> and Michael Franti and it sounded just as good as the entire band
de> playing. Is she going solo?

what do you mean "going"? she's had her own projects for a while. she's
part of the weapon of choice posse. if you come to l.a. (where she lives)
she performs under the name mary mackdalean. she's been known to sit in at
the "doctor recommended" acid jazz nights at galaxy gallery--it's a "weapon"
vibe...

de> Does anyone know what is going on with Carleen Anderson? I got an
de> advance of Laurnea's album on YabYum. Two of the Three Omar tracks are
de> great songs. He should have produced the whole album, but there is a
de> song on there named "Sun Don't Rain" produced by DJ Kemit that's real
de> good too. However, the rest of the album is mediocre. I think she has
de> too many producers.

happens a lot. records have so much pressure to do well, and so many people
are busy repaying favors etc...

t-bird